Innovative perspectives of immunotherapy in head and neck cancer. From relevant scientific rationale to effective clinical practice

Abstract

It is now well established that head and neck cancer carcinogenesis is characterized by genetic instability and several immune defects, leading to unique host-tumor interactions. In such condition, recent improved comprehension and relevant findings could lead to identification of innovative molecular therapeutic targets, achieving considerable clinical and translational research. This review aims to summarize and to highlight most recent and relevant scientific rationale in this era of immunotherapy revival, and to correlate it to the near future clinical practice for the management of this challenging disease.

Keywords: HPV; Head and neck cancer; Immune system; Immunotherapy; Tumor immune infiltration.